ONTSPANNEN FEESTDAGEN

Feestdagen …. voor de één heerlijk, de ander een bron van stress. Tijd voor wat ontspannend gefilosofeer in Club Confabula. Bericht van de afdeling Psychiatry & Behavioral Neurosciences, van het Cedars-Sinai Medical Center: "Unrealistic expectations of family gatherings and holiday parties often lead to disappointment and depression around the holidays. Financial stress, overbooked schedules and memories of 'perfect' holidays past or lost loved ones can also all contribute to feelings of tension, anxiety and sadness". Omdat ze zich zorgen over ons maken, bieden ze een lijst met tips. Hier enkele ervan:

• Have realistic expectations of interactions you’ll be having with family and friends. Chances are that people will have not changed much from last year.
• Make a list and prioritize the activities that are important to you. Make time for those; and consider carefully whether you absolutely must do everything on that list.
• Don’t lose sight of the meaningful moments of the season. Look for them, and be optimistic that you’ll find them.
• Let others share responsibilities of the season. No one person should feel burdened by all of the shopping, party planning, cooking and holiday activities.
• Make an active effort not to worry so much about the details. Live in the moment as much as possible. (= altijd belangrijk!)
  Spend time with supportive and caring people; reach out to others who may benefit from your support.
• Remember that there is no ideal or model for a perfect holiday. With second marriages and so many different types of families.
• Feel free to create your own unique way to celebrate. (I agree!)
• Make time for yourself. Everyone needs downtime. (idem! + koester je geliefde(n) uiteraard)

Niet uniek, maar nooit verkeerd om nog even bij stil te staan. Ieder zijn eigen definitie van 'feestelijk'.

21 Dec '07